Greg Smith and Allister Field

Talking not Ranting

Business EN ↓ 252 episodes

“Talking not Ranting” is a management commentary podcast series created and co-hosted by two good friends, Greg Smith and Allister Field, which chronicles their frank and honest conversations around lessons learned during their contrasting management careers through mistakes, learning opportunities and mentors. This podcast series invites the listener to eavesdrop on their discussions and to enter into discussions of their own on how to be a good manager with all the opportunities and challenges that provides through connection, community and safe and brave spaces. Created by: Greg Smith and A...

Author

Greg Smith and Allister Field

Category

Business

Podcast website

www.linkedin.com

Latest episode

Jun 24, 2026

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Episodes

Ep#227 Context 26.08.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister tackle a thought that seems to come up quite often. How good are we in ensuring that we provide context in the discussions and decisions we make? Have you been part of situations where the context wasn't provided? How did it make you feel? What were the downsides of the situation? Who are you talking to?

Ep#226 Giving Bad News 06.08.2025

In this episode our hosts, Greg Smith and Allister Field, share their thoughts, observations, and experiences around giving and receiving bad news in the workplace. What are your experiences with this topic? Who are you talking to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl.at/dkrS2 Email: talkingnotranting@gmail.com Greg: greg@kgre...

Ep#225 Showing Up 26.07.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about how we show up for meetings and conversations but also in our long term business relationships. How do you show up? What does showing up even mean to you and more importantly, your organization? Who are you are talking to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl.at/dkrS2 Email: talkin...

Ep#224 the Mentor 26.06.2025

In this episode Greg and Allister discuss what they look for in a mentor. With different backgrounds and work experience, it is amazing how much thought goes into selecting a mentor or being a mentor. Have you had the benefit of a mentor? Are you an effective mentor? Who are you talking to?

Ep#223 the Podcasters 18.06.2025

As TNR approaches its 5th anniversary, Greg and Allister talk about their experiences as podcast Creators, Producers, and hosts. Great insights into this adventure with a lot of practical information about what, how, and why to undertake a podcast. Who are you hanging out with to talk to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl.a...

Ep#222 Discussion with Cyndi Court of TGR Foundation 09.06.2025

Joining Greg and Allister is Cyndi Court, CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation, who shares her personal and leadership journey. Great insights into how we develop with the influence and input of others. How do we give people the opportunities and exposure to aid in those critical life choices, especially as students and new employees? Are you open and curious with the people that you lead? Do we see...

Ep#221 Tone 05.06.2025

Join Greg and Allister as they talk about "Tone" and its importance in our communications. Great back and forth with some really good practical examples. Our hosts contrasting backgrounds and personalities really come out in this episode. Who are you talking to and how? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl.at/dkrS2 Email: talk...

Ep#220 Discussion with Dave Stimers 28.05.2025

Joining Greg and Allister is Dave Stimers, Lead Pastor of Westside Church located in Hamilton, Ontario. Dave talks about his career and leadership journey. What Dave shares is funny, serious, insightful, and relatable. This was such a good discussion time got away from our hosts. So much packed into this episode. This is definitely a good listen. Who are you talking to? Dave Stimers https://www.we...

Ep#219 Contracting 22.05.2025

Greg and Allister discuss contracting and their experiences as contractors. Although our hosts approach the topic from very different experiences, there are some lessons to be learned. Are you a contractor? Are you thinking about becoming a contractor or consultant? Who are you talking to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl....

Ep#218 Assessing Candidates 14.05.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister have different thoughts on using assessment tools in testing candidates for positions. There is some agreement, but Allister draws a line relating to some of his personal experiences. What steps do you use to test potential candidates? Are you just checking a box and presenting some shallow assessment that won't bring out the candidates' skills and experi...

Ep#217 Job Ghosting 01.05.2025

Have you had poor experiences during hiring processes where you have been ghosted? Have you been left hanging out there, not knowing what is going on? In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about their experiences, thoughts, and observations around being ghosted. How is your organization handling hiring processes? Are your potential new hires being left out in the cold? Who are you talking to?

Ep#216 Diverse Teams 22.04.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister discuss the importance of having diverse people, knowledge, and experience around the table. Who are you bringing into the effort? Do you have enough diverse voices speaking up? This episode brings out some passion but deep experiences as well. You are you talking to?

Ep#215 TNR Team Update 16.04.2025

In this episode our two hosts, Greg Smith and Allister Field, give an update on what they are doing with work, life and with podcasts. Who are you talking to about what is going on with your life and career? Who is in your community? Don't take the journey alone. Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication section: https://shorturl.at/dkrS2 Email: talkingnotr...

Ep#214 To be a Manager or Not 08.04.2025

In this episode Greg and Allister talk about the opportunities and pressure to become a manager. What is you experience around this topic? Do you want to join management? If so why? Both Greg and Allister talk about their thoughts and journey in this area. You are you talking to?

Ep#213 How you Learn 05.04.2025

In this episode Greg and Allister talk about how people learn. This discussion includes how each of our hosts like to learn and some of the approaches which help individuals and teams learn. How do you best learn? Do you have the environment to learn what you need to so that you can do your role or future roles. Who are you talking to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn pag...

Ep#212 Uncertain Times 27.03.2025

With political turmoil, elections, and economic uncertainty, how are we discussing what is happening? Join Greg and Allister as they discuss their experiences and observations during these critical times. How are you doing? Are you able to have the conversations you need to have? Who are you talking to?

Ep#211 Back to Work 18.03.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about their experience, observations, and thoughts about returning to work. With some time since covid things are beginning to change. How are we coping with the change and how is it going? How are you managing if you are back in the office full-time? Lots of expectations out there. Who are you talking to?

Ep#210 Discussion with Dwayne Milley 14.03.2025

Dwayne Milley of Karis Disability Services joins Greg and Allister to discuss his journey as a leader and a person. Great insights into finding our way and appreciating that journey. How open are you into what comes next in your life? Who are you talking to? Dwayne Milley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwayne-milley-9359461a/ Karis Disability Services: https://karis.org Email: talkingnotranting@gmai...

Ep#209 Respect 04.03.2025

In this episode Greg and Allister talk about their experiences, learnings, and observations around "Respect." Great back and forth as our hosts once again bring forward and celebrate their different experiences and personalities. How do you exhibit respect in the workplace and your relationships? Who are you talking to?

Ep#208 Stress During Times of Uncertainty 26.02.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about the stress around changes or uncertainty in the workplace. How do you react when you are feeling stressed? As a leader, how are you putting yourself out there to bring your people through a time of uncertainty? Who are you talking to and where are you reaching out for help? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publicat...

Ep#207 the Check In 20.02.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about their experiences with one of the most simple and important types of communication. The "check-in" is such a helpful and informative way to communicate that builds rapport and trust for when you need it. How are you talking to folks? Who are you talking to?

Ep#206 Your People 06.02.2025

In this episode, Greg and Allister talk about their people and the importance of valuing those around you in your personal and work lives. Do you get by the simple transaction and talk with those you deal with? Who are you talking to? Talking not Ranting LinkedIn Page (check out our other podcast products in the publications section) https://www.linkedin.com/in/talking-not-ranting-the-struggle-to-...

Ep#205 Accountability 2.0 30.01.2025

After several weeks of other commitments and solo podcast projects, Greg and Allister get back into the podcast scene. In this episode the crew takes a run at the idea of accountability and how that is working out. Great back and forth as once again our hosts' different backgrounds and experiences comes out. Who are you talking to?

Ep#204 Position or People 14.01.2025

Greg and Allister tackle the Holy Grail of conversations in this episode: talking with people about controversial subjects, beliefs, or issues. How do we do so in a healthy civil manner so that relationships don't suffer? Our hosts talk through this topic in a way that shows their different backgrounds yet with common aims. Who are you talking to and how?

Ep#203 Still Busy 09.01.2025

Join Greg and Allister as they continue a much earlier conversation about being too busy at work. Our hosts have people in their circles commenting on how busy they are in their work lives. How do you deal with the busyness and mission creep that somehow defines the modern work experience? Who are you talking to? Check us out and sample our other projects on our LinkedIn page in the publication se...

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